Pandemic Treaty gets Philippines support

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines expressed support for the proposed “Pandemic Treaty” intended to be a historic document that will help ensure present and future generations are safe from the devastating effects of pandemics.

On behalf of the Group for Equity, the Philippines called on all World Health Organization (WHO) member-states to demonstrate political will and commitment to achieve equity through the Pandemic Treaty at the resumed 5th Meeting and Drafting Group of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) to draft and negotiate a WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (CA+) held in Geneva, Switzerland from June 12 to 16.

The Philippines is actively engaged in the INB negotiations on the CA+ also known as the Pandemic Treaty.

In a statement delivered on behalf of the Group, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva Ambassador Evan Garcia expressed full support to ensuring that the “INB process results in a WHO CA+ that is just, fair and cognizant of the circumstances faced by developing member-states.”

He conveyed the Group’s firm view that this can only be achieved through concrete provisions that effectively operationalize Equity.

He added that the Group for Equity is prepared to work with all member-states to further strengthen the bureau’s text without prejudice to referencing proposals previously made when and where they are appropriate.

The Group for Equity is presently composed of developing member-states including Argentina, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand.